S&W Titanium Cylinder damage..***

carbon_15 · #1 08-09-2009, 10:38 PM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was cleaning my Smith 520 today and noticed somehting funky going on on the cylinder face. Every so often I go over the front of the cylinder with a lead-away cloth to remove the built up lead and carbon. I noticed what looked like alot of buildup, but under better light noticed it was missing material.
***??
What causes this? Do I need to send my gun back to S&W...will they waranty this? I had a 360pd for years and never noticed anything like this...this gun has about 200 rounds through it!

Edit- I'm fairly sure it wasnt there after my last range trip. The only thing I shot today was 10 rounds of cast lead 125gr HP /w gas checks over 9.5 gr of Power Pistol. I noticed there was alot of flash, but this is a flashy powder. Should I discontinue this load period, or should it be OK in steel cylinders?

mod34 · #2 08-09-2009, 10:43 PM

I've seen other replies regarding this topic and seems that most agree that it is too light a load causing this. Some have seen this shooting 110gr loads, but your's are a bit heavier.

HEADKNOCKER · #3 08-10-2009, 06:39 AM

Have a look at this thread & pics, Your cylinder looks like it's in the early stages of were the one featured "Went"..
Disappointed with the 340 scandium
I see you already posted in that thread BTW..
I wonder if the "Lead Away" cloth removed the protective coating that the Titainium cylinders have? Possible..
I'd call S&W & "wouldn't admitt" to shooting lightweight or reloads or the "Lead Away Cloth" & see if they can take care of this for you, They might even fit a "Steel" cylinder for you but the guns weight would be increased..
I don't think I'd shoot that revolver again if it were me..
Hopefully Smith & Wesson will take care of you..
Good Luck!!
Gary/Hk

NavyFrank · #4 08-10-2009, 07:32 AM

I have a 327 2 inch PC gun that had the same problem shooting 125 grain .357 Mags. It looked like small pedals developing out from the chamber's edge. I called Smith for a return and a brief statement of the problem. I told them that if this was an on going problem with the Titanium cylinders could they replace it with a stainless steel 627 cylinder which they did at no charge.

TSQUARED · #5 08-10-2009, 10:37 AM

I shoot a S&W327PC JM version with 5 inch titanium shrouded barrel and titanium cylinder. I have shot ca. 2000 rounds of 125 to 130 gr. jacketed bullets in either 38 Special or 357 Magnum cases at velocities below 1000 fps without any problem noted on the cylinder face. However, I do prefer the ca. 150 gr. bullets.

swamp creature · #6 08-10-2009, 08:27 PM

While I definately see the flame cutting at the face of the cylinder, what I don't see is the factory coating that is applied to all of the titanium cylinders. Have you "cleaned" it off? If so, you may have warranty issues.

Swampy

20nickels · #7 08-10-2009, 10:24 PM

I would just keep shooting it if it doesn't hurt anything.

shawn mccarver · #8 08-10-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbon_15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was cleaning my Smith 520 today and noticed somehting funky going on on the cylinder face. Every so often I go over the front of the cylinder with a lead-away cloth to remove the built up lead and carbon. I noticed what looked like alot of buildup, but under better light noticed it was missing material.
***??
What causes this? Do I need to send my gun back to S&W...will they waranty this? I had a 360pd for years and never noticed anything like this...this gun has about 200 rounds through it!

Edit- I'm fairly sure it wasnt there after my last range trip. The only thing I shot today was 10 rounds of cast lead 125gr HP /w gas checks over 9.5 gr of Power Pistol. I noticed there was alot of flash, but this is a flashy powder. Should I discontinue this load period, or should it be OK in steel cylinders?

There is a very clear and stern warning about the use of certain abrasive cloths and cleaning agents as it will irreparably damage and remove the protective finish on the titanium cylinders. Doing so voids the warranty. Read the owner's manual.

Loss of the protective finish apparently will allow very significant and very fast erosion of the cylinder. You must have the cylinder replaced and for goodness sakes, stop using these crazy cleaning cloths and agents. Cleaning of the cylinder face with anything other than a toothbrush and solvent is not necessary and is, in this case, harmful.

pinkymingeo · #9 08-11-2009, 05:45 AM

Ti is fantastic stuff for revolver cylinders. Strong, and very light. Like any other material, though, it has it's strengths and weaknesses. One characteristic is that it's highly susceptible to surface erosion and galling without an appropriate treatment. S&W uses such a treatment, and explains in clear language in the owner's manual that abrasives and lead-away cloths with remove it, resulting in damage. Duh! I use a lead cloth to remove the flash marks from the sides of the cylinder, but never, ever on the cylinder face. No problems here in thousands of rounds.

carbon_15 · #10 08-11-2009, 06:38 AM

I read the part about abrasive cloths, but nothing about lead-away. To the best of my knowledge it is not an abrasive cleaner (like Flitz) but a chemicly powered cleaner...But I could be wrong.
Who knows what the origonal owner used on a supposed NIB gun.

lee_radio · #11 03-23-2012, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NavyFrank

I have a 327 2 inch PC gun that had the same problem shooting 125 grain .357 Mags. It looked like small pedals developing out from the chamber's edge. I called Smith for a return and a brief statement of the problem. I told them that if this was an on going problem with the Titanium cylinders could they replace it with a stainless steel 627 cylinder which they did at no charge.

i'm telling you guys, only this snubby looks good w/ any grip! can't wait to play dress up w/ mine!